Electrostatic separation of material particles



Jan. 3, 1946. Y B. HORSFIELD 2,392,044

ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF MATERIAL PARTICLES Original Filed June 14, 1939 6 Sheets-Sheet l II' I Basil Hoxafieli \l INUBNTOQ AT TO r N213 B. HORSFIELD ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF MATERIAL PARTICLES Jan. I, 71946 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Riot Ens 1S. H0155 AT To RN sags Original Filed June 14, 1939 Jan. 1, 1946.

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INVRNTOR v ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. i, 1946 UNITED, STATES PATENT OFFICE nmc'rnos'ra'nc serene-Honor MATERIAL ran-moms Basil Horsiield, Florence, Ala, assignor to Orcfraction Incorporated, Pittsburgh, Pa., a cornotation of Pennsylvania Continuation of application Serial No. 279,129, June 14, 1939. This application May 21, 1945,

Serial No. 594,829

'21 Claims.

My invention relates to electrostatic separation of material particles. and the principal object of my invention is to provide new and improved methods and apparatus for electrostatically separating material particles.

This applicationv is a continuation of my copending application Serial Number 279,129, filed June 14, 1939.

In the drawings accompanying this specification and forming a part of this application, I have shown, for purposes of illustration, several forms which my invention may assume, and in these drawings:

Figure l is a top plan view of apparatus embodying the'invention,

Figure 3 is an end elevationai view' of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 looking toward the right hand end of the apparatus as considered in Figure 1,

Figure 4 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view corresponding generally to the line 4-4 of Figure 2, I

Figure 5 is a fragmentaryview analogousto a portion of Figure 4, but showing the parts in elevation and in different positions, this view corresponding generally 'to the line 5-5 of Figure 2,

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view corresponding generally to the line 6-8 of Figure 4,

Figure '7 is a fragmentary sectional view .correspgnding generally to the line 1-1 of Figure Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view corresponding generally to the line of Figure 7, f

Figure 9 is a top plan view, on a smaller scale than Figure l, of a detail portion, including the lower electrode of the apparatus andv certain associated elements, certain parts of the electrode support being omitted,

Figure 10 is a fragmentary view, analogous to Figure 9, but showing anelectrodeof: different embodiment,

Figure 11 is an enlarged sectional view corresponding generally to the line ll-il of Figure 2,

Figure 12 is an enlarged detail. section corresponding generally to the line i2-i2 of Figure 2,

Figure 13 is an enlarged detail-section corresponding generally to the line l3-l8 of Fig- .ure 2,

Figure 15 is a view analogous to Figure'l4, .of a similar detail of diflerent embodiment, and

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view, used in explaining the mode of operation of the apparatus.

Referring first particularly to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the embodiment here shown comprises an elongated table 20, rectangular in plan, and so constructed and arranged as to be agitatable, as will more fully appear.

The ,table 20 is here shown as including an electrode 2| of plate type. An upper electrode means 22, also of the plate type, overlies and is spaced from the lower electrode 2!. The table 20 and upper electrode means 22 are here shown as supported by a cradle 23, in turn supported by a base 24, in such manner as to permit simultaneous adjustment of the general plane ofthe table and upper electrode means, while at the same time permitting agitation of the table while the upper electrode structure 22 remains in fixed position with respect to the base, as will more fully appear.

Feeding means 25 is provided for feeding to the apparatus co-mingled particles to be separated, For best results the particles of a given feed should be of the same order of size. .For example, in. thesame feed the particles may range in size from say to 200 mesh. However, in proper assortments, material up to 54 inch or even larger, as well as much finer material, may be handled satisfactorily.

The feeding means 28 is positioned adjacent the left hand end of the apparatus, as viewed in drum 28 overlies the hopper 2l and receives ma- Figures 1 and 2', and includes a trou h 28 secured to and movable with the table 20, and a hopper 21 through the lower end of which the particles are fed into the trough 28. A rotatable terial from a supply receptacle 29 by means of a bucket elevator-J8. The discharge end 8| of the rotatable drum 28 discharges into the hopper 21. The hopp r 2'l is-here shown as provided to control feeding of material to" a selected portion-of theJower electrode 2!. Material falling into the trough 28 is discharged therefrom, onto the electrode 2i, through an aperture or slot 88- I mawall it ofthetroush.

discharge end 3|.

The hopper 21 is carried by a frame 31 suspended by upwardly extending strips, 38 which may be secured to a support, as th ceiling of .the room, and this frame 31 carries also rollers 39 journalling the rotatable drum 28, while the drum 28 has fixed thereto a gear 48 with which meshes a pinion 4| driven through a worm and worm wheel connection by an electric motor, 43.

The drum 28 has a partially closed end 44, which receives material from the bucket elevator 30 through a spout 45, as best seen in Figure 3, the drum. 28 has a slight downward inclination toward its discharge end 3|, to facilitate the feeding of material. Additionally, the interior of the drum 28 is provided with a spiral vane 48, which acts to positively feed material to the Extending into the drum 28 from its discharge end 3| is a gas pipe 41, which is formed with a series of openings 48 providing gas Jets which may be used when desired or necessary to heat th interior of the drum 28 and the material conveyed by the drum, an exhaust flue 49 is positioned adjacent the partially closed end of the drum, and a slight vacuum may be established in this exhaust flue, to withdraw the products of combustion. I

The base 24, as here shown, comprises a pair of spaced main channel beams 58, 5|, underlying practically the entire apparatus, the channels of the beams being directed outwardly with respect to each other, as best seen in Figures 3 and 4, These main channel beams are held in spaced relation with respect to each other, and supported from a floor 52, by means of transversely arrangedchannel beams 53, which are spaced along thelength of the main channel beams 50, 5|, are of inverted U-shape, and form legs supporting the main channel beams 50, 5|. Additional channel beams 54 are interposed longitudinally between the leg beams 53 to hold the latter in proper spaced relation, and the structure may be otherwise braced as may be desired.

The cradl 23, as best shown in Figures 2 and 4, includes pairs of transversely-extending spacedapart channel bars 59, 88, and disposed between each pair of channel bars 59, 88, are a-pair of bearing supporting blocks 8|, clamped in position between the respective pairs of channel bars 59, 88, by bolts 62, which serve also to clamp within th right hand channel bar 59 as viewed in Figure 2, and the left hand channel bar 68 as viewed in Figures 2 and 6, a pair of spaced angle-iron cross-pieces 55, 56, also extending transversely of the supporting base 24, and each provided with upwardly extending end portions 51, corresponding ends of which are inter-connected by longitudinally extending angle-iron connecting members 58.

The pairs of channel bars 59, 88, are supported by rockers 83 fastened to the respectiv pairs of channel bars by bolts 84, and each rocker 83 is provided with an arcuate bearing surface 65 cooperating with a complementary bearin surface 88 provided by bearing members 81 secured to and supported by and between the main channel beams 50, 5|; Each rocker 63 also is provided with a pair of downwardly-extending spaced ears 88, and trunnioned between each pair of ears 88 is a, nut 89 receiving the screw-threaded end 19 of a shaft 1| journaled in a bearing '12 carried by the main channel beam 50. Fixed to the shafts 1| are bevel gears 13 meshing with corresponding bevel gears 14 carried by a longitudinally extending shaft 15 running alongside the main channel beam 50, and secured to an extension of one of the shafts 1| is a hand wheel 18. By this construction, when the hand wheel 18 is turned, the screw shafts 1| are simultaneously rotated, causing rocking of the rockers 83 in the respective bearing members 81, thus causing corresponding rocking movement of the cradle 23 and the parts carried thereby.

Carried by, the upper part of each supporting block 8| is a bearing means 11 comprising 'a cap member 18 secured to the table 20. Each supporting block 8| may be moved with respect to the respective channel bars 59, 80, by means of bolts 19 threaded through flanges 88 on the supporting blocks 8| and extending loosely through flanges 8| on the bearing means 11. The heads of the bolts 19 bear against the upper surfaces of the respective channels 59, 88, and lock nuts 19a may be provided. It will be evident that'the structure above described enables adjustment of the table 28 with respect to the cradle 23,

The table 20 comprises a rectangular frame 82, in this instance made of wooden two-by-four members suitably cross-braced, and including also longitudinally extending intermediate two-bying the upper area defined by the wooden frame I 82, and suitably fastened to the frame, is a laminated board 84, of the type commercially known as Haskelite, one of the plies of the board being sheet metal (see Figures 8 and 14), and the other ply 88 being wood, the wooden ply 88 being disposed toward the two-by-four frame 82. If desired, the laminated board 84 may be made in sections covering the entire area of the frame 82, and these sections are then desirably electrically interconnected by means of wires or in any other suitable way.

Overlying and covering the entire laminated board 84 is, in this instance, a fabric-backed mat of rubber'81, which may be integral or made of sections, and this rubber mat is suitably cemented to the metal ply, 85 of the laminated board 84. The upper surface of the rubber mat 81 is preferably ribbed, as best shown in Figures 8, 9, 10, and 14, but if desired may be otherwise formed to present suitable and desirable irregularities, or may be smooth. If the surface of the mat 81 is ribbed, the ribs may run parallel to a side mar-' gin of the table, as shown in Figure 10, but in many instances I prefer that'the ribs run at an angle with respect to a side margin of the table, as shown in Figure 9, in which the ribs are shown as at an angle of 10 with respect to the side margins of the table. However, the angle which the ribs make with respect to the side margins of the table may be less than 10, or may be as much as 20', or more than 20.

In the embodiment so far described, aluminum paint 88 (diagrammatically indicated in Figure 14) is spread over the exposed upper surface of the rubber mat '81, thus providing an electrically conductive surface, constituting the lower electrode proper between which the upper electrode means 22 an electrostatic field is adapted to be formed. The fragment of the electrode 2| shown in Figure 14 is on an enlarged scale, the actual thickness of the ribs being 1 of an inch, and the grooves being of an inch wide and a; of an inch eep.

Where an apparatus is to be used principally for separatien of relatively finer materials, and at low angles, an electrode ribbed as shown in Figure 14 has been found to give excellent results, but for larger angles I prefer to use an electrode in which the grooves are so made that the bottoms will be horizontal, or more nearly horizontal, for the angle at which the table is most often and comprises, as in the electrode of Figure 14, a grooved rubber mat 01a, coated with aluminum paint 08a, but in which the bottoms of the grooves make an angle of 16 with the table top, and are therefore horizontal when the table is tilted at an angle of 16 with the horizontal. It will be used. Such an electrode is shown in Figure 15,

understood, however, that such an electrode may beused at angles either greater or less than 16. In the electrode shown in Figure the grooves are 341 of an inch wide, a; of an inch deep at the deeper side, and approximately a, of an inch deep at the shallower side, and the ribs are 1; of an inch wide, but these dimensions aregiven merely by way of illustration, and I do not limit myself thereto. Other forms of ribs and grooves will be referred to hereinafter.

The lower electrode 88, and the metal plate able receptacles 05. As shown in Figures 1 and 4 the troughs may have any, desired number of movable partitions 0B separating each trough into the desired number of longitudinal sections. Selected ones of the spouts 03 may be blocked by stoppers 09.

To support the upper electrode means 22 from the cradle 23, each of the longitudinally extending angle bars 58 has secured thereto downwardly extending sleeves 91 best seen in Figures 2, 4, and 13. and loosely received in eachsleeve is a threaded rod 98 which extends upwardly, freely through an aperture I00'in the angle bar 58, and is welded to an elongated metal tube IOI. Each tube IIII is parallel to and generally coextensive with the side margins of the table 20. A. hand wheel I02 is threaded on each of the threaded rods 98. The hand wheels I02 bear against the respective upper surfaces of the angle bars 58, and provide adjustment between the longitudinally extending 85, are electrically grounded to the supporting frame by means of a wire 89 riveted to the rubwith ribs of insulating material, or wholly of insulating material, or it may be made in any other suitable way. However, of the different forms of electrodes I have used, I have found that generally an electrode of insulating material provided in a suitable way with a ribbed electrically conductive active surface appears'to give the best results.

While the table 20 is tilted transversely, as shown for example in Figure 4, it may be tilted longitudinally, as shown in Figure 2, particularly if the electrode 2I is ribbed. In the case of a table fifteen feet long it has been found satisfactory to adjust the table 20 with respect to the cradle 23, so that the discharge or right hand'end of the table as viewed in Figure 2, is approximately two to three inches higher than the left hand or feed end of the table, but these values are given merely by way of example, and I do not limit myself thereto.

Raising the discharge end of the table tends to keep the grooves in the electrode 2I full, and tends to keep the material following the grooves under particular conditions of directional agitation of the table 20, However, such longitudinal tilting of the table is not at all essential.

Viewing the parts as shown in Figure 4, the higher margin of the table 20 has secured thereto a relatively small trough 90, which runs longitudinally of that margin, as may be 'seen in Figures 1, 2, and 9. A relatively larger trough 0| is secured to the lowermargin of the table 20, and runs longitudinally of that margin. The end margin of the table 20, opposite the end at which the feed trough 26 is disposed, has secured there,- to a trough 92, of substantially the same form as the trough SI, and extending longitudinally of a that margin. Each of the troughs 90, 9|, 92, is

provided with a series of outlet spouts 03-, to any desired number of which suitable desirably flex- .ible tubes 94 may be connected and throu h tubes MI and the cradle 23.

The upper eelctrode means 22, as here shown, is sectional in construction, and comprises five main sections, transverse with respect to the apparatus as viewed in Figure 1, and each of which is divided on a line longitudinally of the apparatus into twosub-sections which are hinged together.

As is best shown in Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8, each of the main sections comprises two spaced cross strips I00,'made of wood or other suitable material, extending transversely of the apparatus, and having portions overlying the longitudinally extending tubes. The stripsl03 are spaced a desired distance from the upper surface of the upper electrode means and from the elongated tubes IOI, and are adjustably supported by the tubes I0 I, as will appear hereinafter. Supported from the we cross strips I03 is a hinge-supporting strip I04 of wood or other suitable material, and adjustable hanger bolts I05 extend between the two strips I03 and the hinge-supporting strip I04. Each hanger bolt I05 is threaded, and nuts I05 threaded thereon engage opposite surfaces of the hinge-supporting strip I04, to hold the bolt in place. The upper end of the bolt I05 extends freely through an aperture I 01 in its respective cross strip I03 and a wing nut I08 is threaded on the threaded upper end of the hanger bolt I05, to hold the hinge-supporting strip I04 in desired adjusted position. The hinge-supporting strip I 04 is spaced from the upper surface of the electrode section which it serves to support, and is formed with spaced-apart notches I09, each notch receiving the upper end of a conical insulator I I0, the insulator being hollow, to receive the head of a bolt I I L the upper end of the bolt extending throughthe hinge-supportingstrip I04, and a nut I02 being threaded on the extremity of the bolt III, to hold the insulator H0 in position. A metal plate H3 is secured to the lower end of each insulator I I0, and depending from the metal plate is a rod I I4, to the lower extremity of which is welded'a transversely extending rod I I5, forming a substantially T-arrangement, the transversely extending rod II5 providing aplntle for h nge portions I I 6. a

Each electrode sub-section comprises a rectangular frame of wood or other suitable material, the frame of one of the sections being designated by the reference character I Ila. and that of the other by the reference character I IIb. The

frames may be provided 'with diagonal bracing which the material may be discharged into suitdesired adjusted position.

of substantially the area of the frame, and this metal plate serves as the electrode proper of this sub-section; Ply wood 9a, or other suitable material, is secured to and closes the upper area of the frame I lid. The lower and upper areas of the frame II'Ib are similarly covered by a metal plate I I8!) anda cover I I9b, respectively. The metal plates'l I8a, I I8b. extend so as to have electrical contact with the hinge portions I I 6, as best seen in Figure 8, so that the plates I I811, I I8b, are electrically connected. The metal plates I I8a, Il8b, preferably have smooth surfaces.

The outer ends of each electrode section are adjustably supported by the cross strips I03, and for that purpose there are attached to one outer end a pair of spaced-apart insulator blocks I2Ia, and to the other outer end a pair I2Ib, one of each pair being seen in Figure 4. The upper parts of the pairs of blocks I2Ia, I2Ib, have pivotal connection with slotted bifurcated arms I22a, I22b, respectively, and each bifurcated arm receives the adjacent portion of the respective cross strip I03. Bolts I23a, I23b, pass through the slots in the respective bifurcated arms, through apertures in the respective cross-pieces Y I03, and these bolts are capable of being tightened, to hold the respective bifurcated arm in Referring particularly to Figure 5, it will be seen that one or both of the sub-sections comprising a main electrode section, may be swung about the pivot II5 of the hinge, Figure 5 showing in full lines one of the sub-sections (II8a) of the upper electrode means parallel with respect to the lower electrode 2I, and the other sub-section (811) inclined away from the lower electrode and held in position b the bolt and nut I23b, which clamps the furcations of the arm I 22b to the cross-piece I03. Additionally, in dotted lines in Figure 5 is shown a position which an upper electrode main section assumes when the wing nuts I08 on the adjustable hanger bolts I05 are rotated to draw the hinge-supporting strip I04 closer to the cross strips I03, while the outer ends of the main section remain in the position shown in Figure 4, for example, so that the main section, considered asla whole, is closer to the lower electrode at its ends than at the hinge pin II5. 0n the other hand, of course, the wing nuts I08 can be rotated so that the hinged portions of the sub-sections are closer to the lower electrode than are the ends of the subsections, or so that the hinged portion and ends of the sub-sections are equidistant from the lower electrode, or however may be desired.

The cross strips I03 are adjustable with re- I able with respect to the lower electrode 2I. Each sub-section may be adjusted with respect to the spect to the cradle 23, and to this end the opposub-section hinged thereto, independently of other sections. Each main section may be adjusted as a unit, without disturbing the relative adjustment of the hinged sections forming a part thereof, by adjusting the hand wheels in related to that main section. Furthermore such adjustment may be made independently of any other main section. Also, all of the main sections may be simultaneously. adjusted, by rotating one or more of the hand wheels I02. By reason of these adjustments the upper electrode means 22 may, if desired, be made to define a plane, and'within the limits of adjustment this plane may be made to define any desired angle, transversely or longitudinally, with respect to the lower electrode 2I. Furthermore, the distances of points in a plane defined by the upper electrode means from opposite points in the lower electrode may be varied. Furthermore, the upper electrode means 22 may be adjusted so that the general surface contour it presents to the lower electrode is not a plane, but substantiall an desired and suitable form of surface contour, and this surface may be adjusted bodily with respect to the lower electrode, without changing said surface contour.

Such adjustments are desirable where it is desired that the strength of the field at different places between the upper and lower electrodes shall be difierent.

It will be apparent that any one of the upper electrode main sections may be removed from the apparatus by lifting it upwardly, since the rods I25 fit 'loosely in the sleeves I2. Furthermore, the entire upper electrode means 22 may be bodily removed from the apparatus, by lifting it up wardly, since the rods 33 fit loosely in the tubes 91, and to facilitate removal of the entire upper electrode means 22, the tubes IOI may be provided with eyes I23, to receive the hooks of a hoisting device. However, neither of such re movals will disturb an of the adjustments.

Adjacent main sections of the upper electrode means 22 may beelectrically connected to each other by flexible jumpers I34 (see Figure 1) which may be conveniently provided with plugs fitting in jacks (not shown) electrically connected to the electrode plates of adjacent sub-sections of adjacent main sections. Thus; since the electrode plates of the sub-sections of each main -section are electrically connected, as hereinbefore pointed out, and since the main sections are all connected by the jumpers I3l,-the electrode Plates of all sub-sections are electricall connected, and all may be electrostatically charged by means of a single conductor I35, desirably having a jack connection with one of the sub-sections.

The apparatus operates with great efllciency on doublewave rectified electric current, used for charging the electrodes. Various condensers and reactances may be used to filter the rectified current, to produce the particular characteristics of current which are most eflicacious on a particular material. However, while a smooth, uniform, direct, or rectified current, is suitable, any suitable form of current may be used.

In the particular apparatus illustrated, the table 20 is reciprocable in its general plane by means of a connecting rod I29 connected to the table and to a reciprocating mechanism contained in a housing I30 carried by the main channel beams 50, 5|. The reciprocating mechanism is driven by a pulley I3I'having a belt connection with a pulley I32 carried by an electric motor I33, the latter also being supported from the main channel beams. The reciprocating mechanism is desirably so designed that the amplitude of reciprocation may be adjusted.

The number of cycles per minute, that is, thecaused to complete a forward and return movement, may of course be varied by changing the speed of the motor I32. I have found that selected amplitudes of reciprocation of from of an inch to 1% inches, at 290 cycles per minute, are suitable, but under certain conditions it may be desirable to utilize a diilerent amplitude, or a smaller or larger number of cycles per minute. For example, certain conditions may make desirable an amplitude as small as 1* of an inch, with a number ofcycles from 700 to 1000 per minute. Different amplitudes are desirable for diflerent sizes of materiaLfor the reason that, in general, with a selected voltage applied to the electrode means 2|, 9. smaller amplitude is suitable when separating finer material, whereas, when separating larger size material of the same kind, other factors remaining the same,

' a larger amplitude is more suitable. When larger size material is being separated it may be desirahle, for best results, not only to utilize a larger amplitude than for fine material, but also to apply a higher voltage to the electrode means 2|. The larger size material is more diflicult to get into flight oh the table.

In the particular embodiment illustrated it is desirable that the table be directionally so'agitated that particles discharged upon the table from the trough 26 will, by reason of such agitation, progress in general directions having horizontal components in the general plane of the table, that is, they will advance, more or less longitudinally of the table, as herein shown. from the feed end of thetable away from the feed end of the table. as will more fully appear. The purpose of a table agitated directionally is to continuously convey particles from a point of feed through the electrostatic field, for treatment in the field, the particles being thereafter ciprocated in'its own plane, it may be agitated,

by any suitable mechanism, in any suitable way,

or I may use any other conveying method or means which will serve this purpose.- Never-- theless, whatever conveying method or means and fed to the apparatus at a desired tempera ture, dependent upon the material to be separated. Let it be further assumed that the cles-- trode 2| isofthetypeshowninFigure 9 (with not running over, and by reason of the direc-' tional agitation the material in each groove, although it stays in that groove, moves longitudinally in that groove, away from the feed end of the electrode 2|. This is diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 16, the grooves in which the material would move and continue to 'move solely by reason of the directional agitation, being indicated by the full heavy diagonal hnes, representative of a band of the diagonalgrooves of a table such as shown in Figure 9, the remaining grooves being represented by the full light diagonal lines.

Let it now be assumed not only that particles are being fed onto the electrode 2| as hereinbefore described, but that the; electrode means 22 is electrostatically charged to'a desired potential. thereby charging the lower electrode 2| and any susceptible particles thereon. The less susceptible particles, being less afiected will continue to advance in the grooves into which the particles were fed, but more susceptible particles will rise toward the upper electrode means 22. With the grooves in the electrode 2| runningat an angle to the longitudinal ails of the table, as shown may be utilized, agitation in a broader sense is desirable, for the purpose of "milling" the parti- Y cles about in their respective grooves, so asto bring susceptible particles to the surface of the material in a groove, and enable them more efficiently to go into flight out of the groove, by reason of electrostatic influence, as more fully appear. L j

Before setting forth the mode of operation of my invention as embodied in the apparatus of Figures 1 through 15, it may be stated that, in

- general, a given apparatus embodying my invention is adapted either to rough separate co-mingledparticles ata high production rate, by tilting the table of the apparatus to a higher angle, or to fine separate co-mingled particles at a lower production rate, by tilting the table to a lower angle, as will hereinafter more fully appear.

The apparatus disclosed may be operated in various ways, but in order to understand the mode of operation, let it be assumed first that the upper electrode means 22, and the lower electrode 2|, are not electrostatically charged, and that material is being fed onto the electrode 2| from' the trough 26. It may be stated at this point that the material may be fed to the appsratus at room temperature, or it may be heated in Figure 9, the directional agitation of the table helps, mechanically, to put the susceptiblematerial in flight, by tending to shuille it over the ribs I I have discovered, however, that the particles in ascendingapp'ear to move not at to the upper electrode 22, but at some smaller angle, apparently as small as 45, and also, that the particles after ascending appear to float a considerable distance, so that as a result, a particle lifted from theeelectrode 2t makes'a very .;con-' siderable movement at each ascent. Such movement may be of the order of several feet or more, and evidently takes place by reason of the action of the inclined electrostatic fleld provided by the upper and lower electrodes, in conjunction with the force of gravity acting on the floating particles in the inclined field. Since the distance particles may float is considerable, some particles may leave the lower electrode 2| and float substantially directly out of the fleld into the trough 9|, while other particles will float a distance, descend again upon the lower electrode at a lower place, where they possibly may again be advanced in a groove by the directional agitation of the table, but at any rate, sooner or later will be recharged and again float a further distance, and so on until they are finally discharged either into the trough 9| or into the adjacent portion of the particle, but in certain gression of more susceptible particles will diverge downwardly of the field withrespect to the general direction of progression of less susceptible particles. Thus the less susceptible particles will be discharged into the trough 90, or at a higher point in the trough 92 than more susceptible particles. Thus it will be evident that the particles are fanned out over the electrode 2i, as diagrammatically indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 16, but it will be understood that more susceptible particles may proceed, by reason of electrostatic influence, from any point of the length ofagroove, and out of that groove, so that the representation of Figure 16 is diagrammatic only. However, by reason of the fanning out of the particles, they may be easily segregated into any desired portions, according to their susceptibilities, dependent .upon the marginal portion of the electrode 2i from which the selected portions have been discharged. In general, the higher the voltage between the upper and lower electrodes, the more the material will fan out over the table.

It will be understood that ordinarily there are large numbers of particles floating in the field between the upper and lower electrodes, these particles giving an appearance that may be described as a cloud, and by reason of the motions of the particles, the cloud appears to float or roll down the field between the inclined electrodes.

This floating action of the particles, or cloud of particles, is very noticeable when separating, for example, co-mingled particles of zircon and rutile, with the upper electrode set 2%; inches above the operating surface of the table 20 on the high side throughout its length, and 3 inches from the operating surface'on the low side of the table throughout its length, and operating at the rate of about one ton. feed per hour, and using a voltage of 20,000. The drift of rutile from the upper edge of the table on the first 2 feet or so of the table down completely over the table and out below the upper electrode into the trough Si, is easily discernible with a powerful flashlight beam. The density of particles is considerably greater near the upper electrode surface than near the table surface. In fact, there are possibly 100 particles, or possibly a higher number of particles, in the air, per cubic inch, within an inch of the upper electrode surface, whereas the number of the particles near the table' surface varies from a large number at the top edge of the table, down to a very low number, perhaps 5 or particles per cubic 'inch, immediately above the bottom edge of the table. Inasmuch as there I are so many particles moving it is not possible to certainly identify the movement of an individual parts of the field it is very plain from observation that the individual particles drift or float as much as 2 feet or more even with the table 20 at a low angle of say 8. It is also very plain that this drift is caused by the suspension of the particle in an inclined field. If

this field is approximately uniform, and is in-' clined sufllciently, the particles will float great distances, in fact, if the inclination of the field is suillcient, the susceptible particles will leave the lower electrode, go into suspension, and float downwardly between the electrodes clear across the table, into the trough 9| at its lower margin. However, the particular figures mentioned in this paragraph are given merely to aflord a better picture of the mode of operation of the apparatus, and not by way of limitation.

Assuming again that material is fed to the table in a band 10 to 20 inches wide near the upper margin of the table 20, and that the table is tilted at a low angle, say about 16 by way of illustration, and that the table is in operation, I

have found that in some instances optimum production is'secured if the feed of material is more than the amount which can be held by a band of rooves the width of the selected feed band issuing from the'trough 2G. The overage fed will depend on conditions, and may be approximately 25%. The overage material will roll down the electrode somewhat, into a few lower grooves, and for a certain distance from the feed trough may be mainly gravity controlled overage, but its placement near the point of feed, and its point of discharge, are not entirely gravity controlled, because if the material is coming off of the table, near the bottom corner at the discharge end of the table, for instance, and the apparatus is being operatedat a given voltage and temperature of material, the stream which seems to be overfilling the grooves may usually be shifted up or down the table as to its point of discharge, by changing either the voltage or temperature. In general, from the point that material leaves full grooves to the point of its discharge, it is controlled substantially solely either by electrostatic infiuence, or temperature, or both. By changing the temperature or the potential the material can be fanned out to a thinner wider stream at the place of discharge, or vice versa, or its discharge point may be varied. When overfeeding is employed, the amount of overage feed is more or less critical, and may be found by adjusting the apparatus while running on a given mix.

It willbe understood that two or more products may be produced simultaneously, each concentrated for some particular use, but there are always accidentals between any two streams oi satisfactory material, which go together to form a middlings product. The middlings product or products can usually be separated if the particles are separate, in themselves, by repassing these products through the apparatus. In like manner the other products, already more or less con-'- centrated, may be further concentrated, if desired or necessary, by repassage through the apparatus.

Assuming, by way of example, that the material fed to the electrode 2i comprises particles of zircon and rutile, the dividers 96a, 96?), as indicated in Figure 16 may be so positioned that under certain conditions of operation the material between the divider 96a and the upper end of the trough 92 is substantially pure zircon, while the material between the divider 96b and the lower end of the trough 92 is substantially pure rutile. as is also the material in the trough 9|. The portion of material between the dividers 98a and 96b comprises the middlings, which may contain zircon and rutile in substantially the same proportions as the material initially fed to-the electrode 2i. If desired, an additional divider, 960, may be placed between the divider 96a and the upper end of the trough 92,so that then the material between the divider 96c and the upper end of the trough 92, is a grade of zircon better than that between the dividers 98a and 960, and of course better than the zircon obtained without the divider 96c.

The material received in the trough '80, near the right hand end, as viewed in I-lgure--18,'will f tlvely low angle, say 16,

resulting in relatively pure are subsequentlyfinlshed, in the case of the sep-' electrode 2|, may contain a considerable amount of rutile,-because-the length of the grooves-from feed to discharge is relatively short, and consequently, for a givensetting of the apparatus, the material has not been treated a sufficient length of time. Therefore, with the grooves as in Figure 9, a divider 86d, or more than one divider, may be placed in the trough at the desired position or positions, to separate the material discharged into the trough 00 into appropriate portions.

Obviously, any desired'number of additional dividers, as for example represented by 96c, 90!, may be suitably positioned to obtain different grades of rutile, if desired.

As hereinbefore mentioned, it may be found desirable to heat the material fed to the apparatus, and the temperature to which the material is heated will depend upon the nature of the constituents. However, the temperature of the material may also depend on the proportions of the constituents. For example, in separating a mixture of zircon and rutile, I have found, in many instances, that with a preponderance of rutile, it is desirable that the material be'heated to 100 F. or 150 F. The efliciency of separation aration of materials only one of which is valuable, as for example in separating fiuorspar from calcite and silica, only one of the fractions is subsequently finished and the roughing operation is so adjusted as to give a minimum fluorspar in the calcite and silica fraction, the latter fraction being tailings or waste. Naturally. the rough fluorspar fraction is then not so pure,

but this fraction is then finished to produce pure fluorspar, with again a minimum loss of fiuorspar in the tails.

It will be evident from the foregoing that no sharp line can be drawn between tables, on the field greatly facilitates the fiight of susceptible both'as regards quality and quantity, in these instances appears to be much better at these slightly higher temperatures. on the other hand, if zircon predominates in the mix to the extent that the mix appears to the eye to be rather light colored, then apparently the mixture should be run cold, or room temperature, because.

if the mix is heated, the zircon may be picked up and hang to the upper electrode in long "icicles which at times reach down and actually 'touch the stream flowing beneath. These "icicles" are composed of rutile and zircon, and the tips of the icicles" breaking oil and falling into the stream of material below, prevent a consistent separation. At the lower temperatures, this is i not so noticeable and in fact is usually absent.

It will be understood that ,the temperatures here- 7 inbefore referred to are given merely by way of illustration, and, accordingly, I do not limit myself to these particular temperatures, since lower or higher temperatures may be found suitable, or necessary, depending upon the circumstances.

In general the material will be subjected to I treatment by theapparatus at any temperature that may be found to be suitable to obtain the desired separation, it being of course obvious, particularly if high temperatures are employed, that the electrode carried by the table must be of materials capable of resisting the temperature it isdesired to employ.

If desired, roughing and finishing separations may also be carried out on the same table set at the same angle. For example, with a table such as shown and described in connection with Figures 1 through 15, and tilted to a compare a roughing separation fractions of zircon and rutile may be obtainedby using a potential of 19,000 to 20,000 volts, the table being suitably agitated for rough separation. The fractions may then be fine separated on the same table, set at the same angle, using a potential of from 16,000 to 17,000 volts, the table being suitably agitatcd for fine separation.

While in ease of the separation of materials comprising two materials, both of which are valuable, as for example zircon and rutile, theroughingoperationismadesoasto splitthe two materials 'eously, and both fractions particles from the top of the electrode 2| into the trough 9| in one hop or flight, or, in genward the lower margin, until they are deposited .either into the trough at the end of the table or into the trough at the lower margin of the table. Generally speaking, starting with a table tilted the least feasible amount, the more the table is tilted, the more particles will leave the table in a single flight, or in a fewer number offlights, other factors being the same.

While for rough separations it is desirable to use a higher voltage in order to obtain large production, it will be apparent that generally less voltage will be required to get the same production on a table at a high angle than on a table at a lower angle.

V I have found, moreover, that while I may put a given material through a roughing separation by sufiiciently tilting the table, I can also .increase the production obtained in a fine or finishing separation by suitably increasing the-angle -of tilt of the table to 'an amount less than it would be tilted for a roughing separation, other factors being the same, without sacrificing the quality of separation, and often improving it. By way of example, I have put material through the apparatus with the table tilted to approximately 8, obtaining a certain poundage per hour,

and-with the same material fed to the apparatus, but with the table tilted to approximately 10,

I have obtained a -poundage per hour double that obtained with the table at approximately 8. In general, other factors remaining the sanie,'the optimum tilt of the table for greatest production for a given desired separation may be read-'- ily determined by simply tilting the table more and more, until the optimum has been obtained. I prefer, however, not to tilt the table so far that the material will begin to cascade over the ribs down the table, by purely mechanical action.

The upper electrode means 22 may be disposed parallel to the lower lectrode II, but it is usually set out of parallel therewith. Depending lower electrode 2| at the top of the general inclined plane, or closer at the bottom of that plane. Th electrode means 22 is also adjustable so that the electrode surface thereof can be brought closer to both edges of the electrode 2|, either transversely or longitudinally or both, to better effect a separation between particles whose susceptibilities do not differ much. a

If it is desired that the particles be separated into a large number of grades of susceptibility, the upper electrode means 22 may be disposed so that the lower part of the general plan it defines, is further away from the lower part of the electrode 2|, than is the upper part of said general plane from the upper part of the electrode 2|. In this case the electrostatic field becomes continually weaker towards its lower portion, and control is gained over kinds of particles due to their various susceptibilities as they fioat through the air between the electrodes to the point where the field is not strong enough to support them. It will of course be understood from what has been stated hereinbefore, that the particles progress in divergent general paths according to their different susceptibilities, and consequently finally reach difl'erent places along the margins of the table 20 where they are segregated in the troughs at these margins. However, when the particles to be separated either do not include particles of many different susceptibilities or it is desired to efiect separation principally as between definitely more susceptible particles and less susceptible particles, the upper electrode means 22 may be substantially parallel to the electrode 2|. For example, where, as in the illustrated apparatus, the table 20 is approximately six feet wide, the upper electrode means 22,may be set so that it is approximately two inches above the electrode 2| at its upper part, and three inches above the electrode 2| at its lower part, throughout the length of the electrodes, and depending on the rate of feed of material and the potential applied to the upper electrode means 22, most of the more susceptible material will be discharged into the trough 9|, the less susceptible material being discharged either into the trough 92 or the trough 90 or both, according to the adjustments of the apparatus. The dimensions hereinbefore referred to are purely by Way of illustration, and I do not limit myself thereto. It will be understood that any intermediate susceptible material or middlings will'be discharged into the marginal troughs at points intermediate the less and more susceptible particles.

In general, the upper electrode means 22, whether or not it be transversely at auniform distance-from the electrode'2|, is usually set so that it is at a uniform distance longitudinally. However, at times, particularly when working on a mixture comprising a great amount of more susceptible material, the electrode means 22 is set closer to the electrode 2| at the feed end of the table 20 than at the opposite end, so that the material fed onto the electrode 2| may be spread out over the electrode 2| early in its progression away from the feed end. On the other hand, when :working on a mixture comprising a relatively largeamount of less susceptible material, the electrode 22 is desirably spaced a greater distance from the electrode 2| at the feed end than at the opposite end, so that the susceptible materlal is worked out gradually with the least disturbance to the less susceptible material.

Generally speaking the minimum distance of the upper electrode means 22 from the electrode 2| is proportioned to the potential applied to the electrode 22. For example, successful results have been obtained with a, minimum electrode distance of approximately one-fourth to one-half an inch, and with an applied potential of 3000 volts; with potentials of from 8000 to 20,000 volts, electrode distances of approximately one inch to approximately two inches have been found suitable. However, these numerical examples are merely illustrative, and I do not limit myself thereto. The potential and electrode distance are, in general, so selected that the desired separation is attained, and is attained with the greatest ease and efllciency.

While various modes of operation and various adjustments have been hereinbefore described, it is to be understood that these are by way of explanation and illustration only, and that the apparatus is susceptible of many other adjustments and modes of operation, as will b apparent from the description of the apparatus itself, and from the illustrative modes of operation set forth.

From the foregoing it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that each of the illustrated methods provides a new and improved method of electrostatically separating material particles, and that each of the illustrated embodiments of apparatus provides a new and improved apparatus for practicing these methods, and accordingly, the methods and apparatus each accomplish the principal objects of my invention. On the other hand; it also will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the illustrated methods and appa ratus embodying my invention may be variously changed and modified, or features thereof, singly or collectively, embodied in other combinations than those illustrated, without departing from the spirit of my invention, or sacrificing all of the advantages thereof, and that accordingly, that the disclosure herein is illustrative only, and my invention is not limited thereto.

I claim:

1. The method of separation of material particles, which comprises, positioning the particles on plate-type first electrode means, and subjecting the particles to force operating to move the particles in one direction, and at the same time subjecting the particles to the action of a substantially-continuous relatively-stationary substantially-unidirectionai electrostatic field between said first electrode means and cooperating electrode means extending in spaced relation to said first electrode means, said field being of an intion, and subjecting the particles to force operating to move the particles in a longitudinal direction, and at the same time subjecting the particles to the action of a substantially-continuous relatively-stationary substantially-unidirectional electrostatic field between said first electrode means and cooperating electrode means extending in spaced relation to said first electrode means, said field being of an intensity to levitate particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility'and extending downward in a transverse direction, in the same lateral direction in which said first electrode means extends transversely downward, and levitating particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility, and transporting levitated particles transversely, in the lateral direction in which said first electrode means and said field extend transversely downward.

8. The method of separation of material particles, which comprises, positioning the particles on plate-type first electrode means, said electrode means extending downward in a transverse direction, and while restraining the particles from sliding laterally downward, subjecting theparticles to force operating to move the particles in a longitudinal direction, and at the same time subjecting the particles to the action of a substantiallycontinuous relatively-stationary substantially unidirectional electrostatic field between said first electrode means and cooperating electrode means extending in spaced relation to said first electrode means, said field being of an intensity to levitate particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility and extending downward in a transverse direction, in the same lateral direction in which said first electrode means extends transversely downward, and levitating particles of higher electrostatic susceptibilityy and transporting levitated particles transversely, in the lateral direction in which said first electrode means and said field extend transversely downward.

4. The method of separation of material particles, which comprises, positioning the particles on plate-type first electrode means, said electrode means extending downward in a transverse direction, and subjecting the particles to force operating to move the particles in a longitudinal direction, and at the same time subjecting the particles to the action of a substantially-continuous relatively-stationary substantially-unidirectional electrostatic field between said first electrode means and cooperating electrode means also extending downward in a transverse direction, in the same lateral direction in which said first electrode means extends transversely downward, said field being of an intensity. to levitateparticles of higher electrostatic susceptibility, and levitating particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility, and transporting levitated particles transversely, in the lateral direction in which said first electrode means and said cooperating electrode means extend transversely downward.

5. The method of separation of material particles, which comprises, positioning the particles on plate-type first electrode means, said electrode means extending downward in a transverse direction, and while restraining the particles from sliding laterally downward, subjecting the particles to force operating to move the particles in a longitudinal direction, and at the same time subiecting the particles to the action of a substantially-continuous relatively-stationary substandaily-unidirectional electrostatic field between said first electrode means and cooperating electrode means also extending downward in a transverse direction, in the same lateral direction in which said first electrode means extends transversely downward, said field being of an intensity to levitate particles oi higher electrostatic susceptibility, and levitating particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility, and transporting levitated particles transversely, in the lateral direction in which said first electrode means and said'cooperating electrode means extend transversely downward.

6. The method of separation of material particles, which comprises, positioning the particles distantly from said first electrode means, said field being of an intensity to levitate particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility and extending downward in a transverse direction, and levitating particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility, and transporting levitated particles transversely, in the lateral direction in which said field extends transversely downward.

7. The method of electrostatic separation of material particles according to which such particles are disposed on a support and electrostatic force produced by approximately continuous potential is so applied to them, by an electrostatic field substantially continuous over the support and relatively stationary with respect thereto and which extends from the place of initial support of the particles at a downward angle with respect to the horizontal a distance which is relatively great with respect to the length of the lines of force of said field, that susceptible particles are caused, by the combined action of said field and gravity, to move out of proximity with the support and make a flight in and across said electrostatic field in approximately the direction in which said field extends downwardly at its greatest angle with respect to the horizontal, and either to leave said field and the support in a single such fiight or, by again coming into proximity with the support before leaving said field, to leave said field and the support in several such flights, and causing particles while carried by the support to move across said field in a direction transverse to the direction of particles in flight.

8. The method of electrostatic separation of material particles, which comprises initially disposing the particles on a support, applying unldirectional electrostatic force to the particles by an electrostatic field substantially continuous over from their initial positions or from subsequent positions on the support, into suspension in said field, and so disposing said electrostatic field that it extends from the place of initial support of the particles at a downward angle with respect to the horizontal a distance which is relatively great with respect to the length of the lines of force of said field so that the action of gravity on suspended particles causes them to move across said field in approximately the direction in'which said field extends downwardly at its greatest angle, and leaving theparticles free to leave said field and the support in said direction, and causing particles while carried by the support to move across said field in a, direction transverse ,to said direction. r

9. The method of separating material particles, which comprises causing particles to be separated to move while on a support in a first direction having a horizontal component while subjecting said particles to a relatively stationary electrostatic field at an angle to the horizontal continuous over the support and providing an electrostatic force at an angle to said first direction oi movement and at an angle to the vertical, said on plate-type first electrode means, and subjectforce being sufiicient to cause susceptible particles to go into suspension in said field and move away from particles moving in said first direction, in a downward direction at an angle to both said first direction andthe direction of said electrostatic force so-that the particles are distributed in said field in a general plane in which'the more susceptible particles are at a lower level than less susceptible particles in accordance with their directions of progression, and leaving the particles free to leave said field and the support in approximately the respective general directions of progression across said field.

10. The method of separating material particles, which comprises causing particles to be separated to move while on a support in a first direction having a horizontal component while subjecting said particles to an electrostatic field at an angle to the horizontal continuous over the support providing an electrostatic force at an angle to said first direction of movement and at an angle to the vertical, said force being sufiicient to cause susceptible particles to go into suspension in said field and move away from said angle to both said first direction and the direction of said electrostatic force so that the parsaid apparatus being so constructed and arranged that the particles are subject to force operating to move the particles in one direction, cooperating electrode means extending in spaced relation to said first electrode means, means constructed and arranged to maintain between said electrode means a substantially-continuous relativelystationary substantially unidirectional electrostatic field of an intensity to levitate particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility, and said electrode means being so constructed and arranged that said field extends downwardly in a transverse direction, and levitated particles are transported transversely, in the lateral direction in which said field extends transversely downward.

12. Apparatus for separation or material particles, comprising, plate-type first electrode means, means constructed and arranged to position the particles on said first electrode means. said apparatus being so constructed and arranged that the particles are subject to force operating to move the particles in one direction, and said first electrode means extending downward in a transverse direction, cooperating electrode means extending in spaced relation to said first electrode means, means constructed and arranged to maintain between said electrode means a substantially-continuous relatively-stationary substantially-unidirectional electrostatic field of an intensity to levitate particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility, and s'aidelectrode means being so constructed and arranged that said field extends downwardly in a transverse direction. in the same lateral direction in which said first electrode means'extends transversely downward, I

and levitated particles are transported transversely, in the lateral direction in which said first electrode means and said field extend transversely downward.

13. Apparatus for separation of material particles, comprising, plate-type first electrode means, means constructed and arranged to position the particles on said first electrode means, said apparatus being so constructed and arranged that the particles are subject to force onerating'to move the particles in one direction, and downward ina transverse direction, and being provided with ribs constructed and arranged to prevent the particles sliding laterally downward, cooperating electrode means extending in spaced relation to said first electrode means, means constructed and arranged to maintain between said electrode means a substantially-continuous relatively-stationary substantially unidirectional electrostatic field or an intensity to levitate particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility, and said electrode means being so constructed and arranged thatfsaid field extends downwardly in a transverse direction, in the same lateral direction in which said first electrode means extends transversely downward, and levitated particles are transported transversely, in the lateral direction in which said first electrode means and said field extend transversely downward.

, 14. Apparatus for separation of material particles, comprising, plate-type first electrode means, means constructed and arranged to position the particles on said first electrode means. said apparatus being so constructed and arranged that the particles are subject to force operating to move the particles in one direction, and said first electrode means extending downward in a transverse direction, cooperating electrode means also extending downward in a transverse direction, in the same lateral direction in which said first electrode means extends transversely downward, meansronstructed and arranged to maintain between said electrode means a substantially-continuous relatively-stationary substantially-unidirectional electrostatic field of an intensity to levitate particles of higher electrostatic susceptibility, and said electrode means being so constructed and arranged that levitated particles are transported transversely, in the lat. eral direction in which said first electrode means and said cooperating electrode means extend transversely downward.

15. Apparatus for separation or material particles, comprising, plate-type first electrode means, means constructed and arranged to posi-' tion the particles on said first electrode means,

said apparatus being so constructed and aruous relatively-stationary, substantially-unidirectional electrostatic field of an intensity to levitate particles or higher electrostatic susceptibility. and said electrode means being so constructed and arranged that levitated particles are transported transversely, in the lateral direction in which said first electrode means and said cooperating electrode means extend transversely downward.

16. Apparatus for separation of material particles, comprising, plate-type first electrode means, means constructed and arranged to position the particles on said first electrode means, said apparatus being so constructed and arranged that the particles are subject to force operating to move the particles in one direction, cooperating electrode means extending spaced roughly equidistant from said first electrode means, means constructed and arranged to maintain between said electrode means a substantially-continuous relatively-stationary substantially-unidirectional electrostatic field of an intensity to levitate particles of higherelectrostatic susceptibility, and said electrode means being so constructed and arranged that said field extends downwardly in a transverse direction, and levitated particles are transported transversely, in the lateral direction in which said field extends transversely.

17. In combination'in apparatus for electrostatic separation of material particles: a first electrode of generally rectangular plate -type; means mounting said first electrode so that it is adapted to define a general plane at an angle with respect to the horizontal, and so that two opposite marginal portions or said electrode extend in a generally horizontal direction in said general plane and the other two marginal portions extend transversely of said general direction, and so that one of said transverse marginal portions is adapted to be at a generally lower level than the other of said transverse marginal portions; said first electrode having a plurality of collateral ribs extending in a generally horizontal direction; means for feeding particlesonto said first electrode at the lower one of said transverse marginal portions of said electrode; means for subjecting said first electrode to reciprocation in the general direction of said ribs; and a second electrode spaced from said first electrode.

18. In combination in apparatus for electrostatic separation of material particles: a first electrode of generally rectangular plate type; means mounting said first electrode so that it is adapted to define a general plane at an angle with respect to the horizontal, and so that two opposite marginal portions of said electrode extend in a generally horizontal direction in said general plane and the other two marginal portions extend transversely of said general direction; said first electrode being-ribbed, the ribs extending in the general direction of said generally horizontal marginal portions; means for subjecting said first electrode to agitation in the general direction of said ribs; means, including a trough extending along at least the lower one of said generally horizontal marginal portions,

constructed and arranged to receive particlescoming from said one of said generally horizontal marginal portions of said electrode; means for feeding particles onto said electrode at least at a. higher portion of one of said transverse marginal portions of said electrode; and a second electrode spaced from said first electrode.

19. In combination in apparatus for electro-' static separation of material particles: 9. first electrode of generally rectangular plate type;

means mounting said first electrode so that it is adapted to define a general plane at an angle tend in a generally horizontal direction in said general plane and the other two marginal portions extend transversely of said general direction; said first electrode being ribbed, the ribs extending in the general direction of said generally horizontal marginal portions; means for subjecting said first electrode to agitation in the general direction of said ribs; means, including a trough extending along at least one of said generally horizontal marginal portions, constructed and arranged to receive particles coming from said one of said generally horizontal marginal portions of said electrode; means for feeding particles onto said electrode at least at a higher portion'of one of said transverse mar I ginal portions of said electrode; and a second electrode spaced from said first electrode.

20. In combination in apparatus for electrostatic separation of material particles: first elec trode means of the plate type for receiving par- 1 ticles to be separated; second electrode means of the plate type; means for mounting said second electrode means above and spaced from said first electrode means; means for adjusting said second electrode means with respect to said first electrode; and said mounting means being so' constructed and arranged that said second electrode means may be disassembled from and reassembled with said first electrode means while leaving said adjustment undisturbed.

21. In-combination in apparatusfor electrostatic separation of material particles': 9. first electrode means or plate type for receiving particles to be separated; second electrode means of plate type mounted above and spaced from said first electrode means; means for locally adjusting a portion of said second electrode means 3 relatively to said first electrode means; means for adjusting said second electrode means as a whole relatively to said first electrode means and means for supporting said last-named adjusting means so constructed and arranged that said second electrode means may be disassembled from and reassembled with said first electrode means while leaving said adjustments undis- ,turbed.

'22. In combination in apparatus'tor electro lateral ribs extending in a generally horizontal V direction transverse to said downward angle; and

with respect to the horizontal, and so that two opposite marginal portions of said electrode exmeans whereby said support causes particles while carried thereby to positively move in the direction in which said ribs extend.

, 23. In combination in apparatus for electrostatic separation or material particles: means ior mechanically supporting the particles to be separated comprising a transversely inclinedtable having a plurality of collateral generally longitudinal 'ribs; means, includingan electrode spaced from said table, for subjecting the particles to the action or an electrostatic field which extends from the place of initial support of the particles 7 at a downward angle with respect to the horizontal transversely of said ribs; and means whereby said table is longitudinally reciprocable.

24. Apparatus for electrostatic separation of material particles, comprising: a particle-supporting first electrode of plate type; means mounting said first electrode so that it is adapted structed and arranged that particles moving 7 across said field in approximately the direction in which said field extends downwardly at its greatest angle with respect to the horizontal are free to leave said field and said first electrode in said direction.

25.- Apparatus for electrostatic separation of material particles, comprising: an electrode of plate type; means mounting said electrode so that it is adapted to define a general plane at an angle with respect to the horizontal; means for subjecting said electrode to mechanical force such that particles placed on said electrode tend to move from a first place on said electrode to a second place, on said electrode, spaced from said first place by a distance having a component transverse to the downward angle of said general plane and in said general plane; means for providing an electrostatic field substantially continuous over said electrode for subjecting said particles to electrostatic lines of force relatively stationary with respect to said electrode while said electrode is being subjected to said mechanical forces; said field-providing means being so constructed and arranged that at least the more susceptible particles progress oversaid general plane in a general direction diverging downwardly with respect susceptible particles; and said electrode being so constructed and arranged that particles are free to leave said field and said electrode in approxl-' mately the respective general directions of progression across said field.

28. Apparatus for electrostatic separation of material particles, comprising: an electrode of plate type having a ribbed surface; means mounting said electrode so that it is adapted to define a general plane extending downwardly at an angle with respect to the horizontal and so that the ribs extend transversely to said downward direction;

. to the general direction of progression of less I asaaoee means for subjecting said electrode to mechanical forces such that particles placed on said electrode tend to move from a first place on said electrode to a second place, on said electrode, spaced from said first place by a distance having a component transverse to the downward angle of said general plane and in said general plane; means for providing an electrostatic field substantially continuous over said electrode for subjecting said particles to electrostatic lines of force relatively stationary with respect to said electrode while said electrode is being subjected to said mechanical forces; said field-providing means being so constructed and arranged that at least the more susceptible particles progress over said general plane in a general direction diverging downwardly with respect to the general direction of progression of less susceptible particles; and said electrode being so constructed and arranged that particles are free to leave said field and said electrode at the places of intersection with the terminal margin of said electrode of the respective general directions of progression across said field.

27. Apparatus :lor electrostatic separation of material particles, comprising: a first electrode of plate type: means mounting said first electrode so that it is adapted to 'deflne a general plane at an angle" with respect to the horizontal; means for subjecting said first electrode to mechanical forces such that particles placed on said first electrode tend to move from a first place on said first electrode to a second place, on said electrode, spaced from said first place by a distance having a component transverse to the downward angle of said general plane and in said general'plane; means, including a second electrode of plate type spaced from said first electrode, constructed and arranged to provide with said first electrode an electrostatic field substantially continuous over 40 said first electrode and extending downwardly at an angle with respect to the horizontal so that susceptible particles in suspension in said field move downwardly across said field; and said first electrode being so constructed and arranged that particles moving across said field in approximately the direction in which said field extends downwardly at its greatest angle with respect to the horizontal are free to leave said field and said first electrode in said direction.

BASIL HORSFIELD. 

